Obituary of Erich W. Waldek

Rev. Erich W. Waldek, 94, of Schenectady NY, passed away on January 5, 2024 with the confidence of his resurrection from the dead and life eternal when Jesus returns on Judgment Day. Erich's soul joins his beloved wife Jean who entered heaven in 2020. Erich was also predeceased by a grandson Matthew Waldek. Erich was born in Queens, NY, son of Erich and Charlotte (Hayden) Waldek. He earned a BA degree in Psychology and Philosophy from Hofstra College and a Bachelor of Divinity degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. Beginning in 1954, Erich served Lutheran mission congregations in Elmont, NY, Rome, NY, and Mechanicsville, VA. To belong to a biblically faithful church body, he joined the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, and served in Sterling Heights, MI and then for 20 years as the first pastor for King of Kings Lutheran Church in Clifton Park, NY. He finished his public ministry of 43 years in congregations in Ontario, Canada, and Liverpool, NY, and for many more years continued to preach for congregations during pastoral vacancies. In his retirement years, he would rarely be seen without wearing his NY Mets hat. He loved playing with his grandkids, who affectionally called him "Pooh Bear," and rooting them on at sporting events and activities. He was always up for a robust game of croquet. Erich had a unique sense of humor and could often be heard tossing out Rodney Dangerfield "I don't get no respect" jokes. Survivors include his four sons and their wives: Paul (Katherine), Mark (Jodi), John (Anne) and David (Jennifer); twelve grandchildren: Emily (Aaron Platzer), Luke (Abby), Justin (Lydia), Rachel (Justin Ermiger), Rebekah, Kalvin (Emily), Stefanie (Jonathan Norcross), Christina, Robert, Zachary, Gregory and Kimberly; and three great-grandchildren: Grace, Evelyn and Mabel. A Christian funeral service will be held at 11am on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 1593 Crescent Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065, preceded by a visitation hour starting at 10am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to King of Kings Lutheran Church. For additional information or to leave a message of joyful remembrance, visit